$16,710 Gambling Debt Tied to Rhapsody of the Seas Overboard Jump Near Puerto Rico – 31 August 2025

On 31 August 2025, a passenger jumped overboard from the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas while docked at the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The man, identified as Jey González-Díaz, was recovered by a bystander on a jet ski and apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. Federal authorities allege the jump was an attempt to evade repayment of more than US$16,000 in gambling debt owed to Royal Caribbean.

The incident occurred as the vessel concluded its itinerary from Barbados during routine CBP inspections. González-Díaz was charged with federal currency reporting violations and faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

At approximately 9:15 a.m. on 31 August 2025, during U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspections at the Port of San Juan, González-Díaz entered the water near the pier. He was recovered by a person on a jet ski and located near the Puerto Rico Capitol Building. CBP agents apprehended him carrying US$14,600 in cash, two mobile phones, and five forms of identification.

Royal Caribbean reported that González-Díaz owed the cruise line US$16,710.24, primarily from casino and gaming expenditures accrued during the voyage. Upon arrest, CBP agents found he was carrying US$14,600 in cash but had failed to declare the currency, allegedly believing that reporting rules or duties would apply. Federal authorities charged him with evading federal currency reporting requirements. One of the seized identification documents bore the name Jeremy Omar González-Díaz, who was reported to be in federal detention earlier in 2025; González-Díaz claimed this was his brother's identity, though the documents raised questions about fraud or misrepresentation.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• González-Díaz recovered by bystander on jet ski and apprehended by CBP agents.

Following his apprehension, González-Díaz was detained and subsequently released on bail. He faces federal charges for evading currency reporting requirements. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to US$250,000, or both. The case is being handled in federal court under U.S. maritime and customs jurisdiction.

The case remains under investigation in federal court. The incident underscores ongoing concerns with cruise ship casinos and the financial disputes that can arise from onboard gambling, as well as the unusual nature of overboard incidents tied to alleged criminal intent and financial evasion rather than accidents or health emergencies.